By Madeline Moss
We’ve all experienced it – strolling through campus, absorbed in our own affairs, only to encounter an obnoxiously large tour group monopolizing the entire sidewalk. With some poor student walking backwards while remarking, “If I am about to crash into something, please let me know!” As they enthusiastically spew out Kalamazoo College knowledge. If you have ever been on one of those tours, chances are you’ve been treated to the LandSea pitch: “Outdoor education, up to 16 days in the wilderness, sleeping in a tent, building a sense of community, and so on”
Although LandSea may be a blip in many students’ radars, its significance is underscored by the fact that 15-20% of incoming students participate in the program, making it an integral component of the Kalamazoo College curriculum.
In the early 1970s, the Kalamazoo College president Dr. George Rainsford had a vision for a pre-orientation program centered around outdoor experience/education. In 1973, the inaugural Land/Sea took place with 16 incoming first-year students embarking on backpacking and sailing in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan.
Fast forward to 2023 – LandSea offers three distinct programs to choose from: LandSea Kalamazoo, LandSea Adirondacks Basecamp, or Expedition. Last summer, LandSea marked its 50th anniversary, proving that education can extend beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
While LandSea has undergone significant changes over the years, one thing stays the same – the love for the program. The leaders of LandSea, who serve as the program’s heart, embody the experiences and knowledge that the outdoors can teach. Like Wes Grinwis ‘25, who did not partake in LandSea during her first year, found herself drawn to leading it the next summer. With prior outdoor experience, she “knew that the outdoors has a unique ability to connect people to themselves, to others, and to the land in special ways, and I wanted to help nourish that growth in any way I could for the new faces that would be joining K’s community.”
Taking on the role of a LandSea leader for Grinwis served a dual purpose, admitting that she, “wanted to connect with new people, have meaningful conversation, successfully endure a long hiking day, and be a part of the stomach-aching laughter that only happens around a camp stove after a long day in the woods”
Beyond the laughter and community, students choose to lead LandSea for various reasons. Lucy Hart ‘23, discovered her desire to lead after two years of online school. Despite limited prior camping or backpacking experience, Hart explored new adventures and relationships through leading LandSea, viewing it as an opportunity to expand her social circle, despite her already active engagement in women’s softball. “I was super excited to try something new, meet new people, and connect more with the outdoors in ways I haven’t done before” she said.
This past summer, after graduating, Hart wanted to rejoin the LandSea community she had built. Serving as a logistics coordinator, she reflected upon her post-graduation life, “It was hard knowing that I wasn’t returning to campus with [the students] and starting class. However, it felt gratifying to have been a part of the participants’ beginning of their K College experience as I wrapped mine up.” As Hart closed her college chapter, she was able to impart her knowledge, while also finding herself, “amazed with the level of acceptance and love this group had formed with each other. This inspired me to live more boldly and with more love in my heart.”
The concept of leadership can be intimidating. Managing a group of people, ensuring the safety of others, while simultaneously trying to teach them can appear to be daunting. However, Emerson Wesselhoff ‘25, who led LandSea the summer of 2022, realized, “that being a leader is not just about technical skills, it’s about the open and honest communication with those around you. Resiliency and leadership – especially in the outdoors – hinges on communication with your body, your mind, and the bodies and minds of those around you.”
Looking past the surface level things that the outdoors can teach someone, past leaders cited that they have found themselves able to adapt to situations quicker, gained a deeper appreciation for the effort invested in LandSea each year, and have been able to hone their abilities to conduct experimental learning. Outside of the lessons they learned on trail, past former leaders find personal fulfillment in their work, viewing leading LandSea as an ongoing personal achievement that influences their daily lives.
Come August 2024, Outdoor Programs will mark its 51st year, welcoming incoming first-years, leaders, and staff who will entertain endless lifegood ‘ol raisins and peanuts “GORP”, bug spray, first-aid kits, and a keen sense of community. Without the comforts of air-conditioning, social media, or homework, those who participate in LandSea get to take a hiatus from daily life, focusing on the simple act of putting one foot in front of another each day.
For those looking to gain unique skills that only the outdoors can teach you, learn life-saving techniques, gain facilitation and teaching skills, get in touch with nature, all while getting paid! Applying to lead LandSea might be in your best interest!
Applications open on Feburary 1st, with a priority deadline of March 8th and a final deadline of March 22nd. Outdoor Programs is hosting two information sessions on Monday, February 12th at 11:00 am on the first floor of Harmon Hall and Thursday, February 15th at 4:15 pm. Offers will be sent out mid-April. Within the last three years, LandSea leader has transitioned into a paid position, with leaders being eligible to earn up to $1200 plus free training up to Wilderness First Responder (a $800-1000 value). No prior outdoor or LandSea experience or required to apply. You will be trained in all techniques, leadership, interpersonal skills that you will need to lead! LandSea has infinite possibilities for personal growth as well as the potential to meet lifelong friends. So, hop on trail this summer and make amazing memories!
You don’t have to take my word for it, Hannah Parsons ‘26 said, “LandSea is a chance to see the world through nature’s eyes. To wake up with the dewy sun and fall asleep to the winding rivers – this is a journey nobody should live without.”
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